The Michigan Department of Natural Resources firefighters, alongside local partners, are currently working to contain two active wildfires burning in Marquette and Baraga counties.
The fire danger level in the area has reached “very high” due to ongoing drought conditions, warm temperatures, and strong winds, which are contributing to the spread and intensity of the fires.
As of Sunday, the Ridge Fire has burned approximately 256 acres and is located about 10 miles northwest of Marquette, between County Road 510 and North Basin Drive. The terrain in this area is notably rugged and difficult for firefighters to access, making on-the-ground suppression efforts very challenging. To combat the fire, two Fire Boss planes equipped to scoop and drop water have been deployed from Minnesota. Additionally, a Michigan State Police Aviation Type 2 helicopter is assisting from the air.
Support is also being provided by the Negaunee Township Fire Department.
Three homes on County Road 510 have been evacuated as a precaution. The Marquette County Sheriff’s Office has set up an evacuation center at the Negaunee Township Hall (42 East State Highway M-35 in Negaunee), where the American Red Cross is providing assistance to evacuees and their pets.
The Craig Lake Fire is smaller, burning an estimated 30 acres north of Craig Lake State Park. This blaze is also located in a remote area with difficult and rugged terrain, significantly complicating firefighting efforts. Firefighters are working to improve access to the area while establishing a hand line around the fire’s perimeter. A hand line is created by removing vegetation down to mineral soil to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Both fires are burning through a mix of conifers and hardwoods on ridge tops, as well as balsam and spruce trees in lowland areas. According to Keith Murphy, DNR Incident Command, “Public safety and firefighter safety remain our top priority.”
